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Steve McClaren is believed to be on the brink of losing his job at St James’ Park with Rafael Benitez widely tipped to take his place. Club officials maintain McClaren has not been sacked but his departure looks imminent.

Newcastle have won only six out of the 28 league games McClaren has been in charge for, but do people think the former England man has been treated fairly by the club’s top brass? We spoke to people in Newcastle city centre.

David Burns, from Consett, said “I think he hasn’t. This is the problem with Newcastle, they get rid of managers too easily without giving them the opportunity. I think, at the end of the day, he hasn’t got the backing of the board.”

Arron Croad from Bedlington does not think McClaren can complain.

He said: “I do think he has been treated fairly by the club.

“I mean, he’s had plenty of opportunities both in the players he’s brought in and in the money that has been spent to turn the club around, but at the same time he’s just not getting the performances on the pitch and I don’t think he’s garnering enough support from both the club and the players.”

Jen Wanless, from Dunston, thinks United can be too quick to turn on the managers. She blames the players for the Toon’s plight.

She said: “It’s down to the lads on the pitch. If they did their job properly - which they’re getting damn good money for - Newcastle wouldn’t be anywhere near where they are. They should be either middle of the table of nearer the top.”

Liverpool fan Phil Griggs, 19, said: “I heard today that he’d found out in the media beforehand that he’d been sacked. I think that’s probably wrong. He should be told personally.

“He’s not going to have much faith in those above him if he’s hearing he’s been sacked before he’s been told himself.”